Liverpool set for new £70m boost in Alexander Isak saga as 'project presented to player'

Liverpool may have extra transfer funds for a new signing such as Alexander Isak, with negotiations underway to sell one of Arne Slot's stars. Newcastle confirmed that they received a bid for the Swedish striker, reportedly over £100million but below their £150m valuation, which was rejected.

The Reds are said to have pulled out of a deal this summer at that price, instead turning their attention to Real Madrid winger Rodrygo, but they are trying to add to a squad which has already been bolstered by the signings of Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong.

Their plans could be further helped if Darwin Nunez is sold, amid interest from the Saudi Pro League and Juventus. He had been targeted by Napoli, but the asking price was deemed too high and Antonio Conte's side opted to bring in Lorenzo Lucca instead.

Saudi giants Al-Hilal have presented their project to Nunez in recent days, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, while talks will continue with both the player and Liverpool in the hope of agreeing a deal.

Liverpool had hoped to receive as much as £60m for the Uruguayan, having turned down a proposal of similar size in January, but may be forced to compromise following a disappointing season under Slot.

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Such funds can be redistributed in the squad, with Newcastle boss Eddie Howe admitting he is unsure what the future holds for Isak, having confirmed that an offer was turned down by the board.

"I really don't know what happens next," Howe said on tour in Asia. "From our perspective, we still support Alex in every way, and my wish is that we see him in a Newcastle shirt again.

"It is difficult because you don't know what is going to happen. There can be all sorts of talk and hypothetical situations but then you are dealing with reality.

"The reality is we had the first bid from Liverpool yesterday. I believe that was turned down, from this point onwards let's see what happens. I have no idea to try to predict that."

Ekitike would be considered the only out-and-out number nine at Anfield if Nunez were to depart, even though Mohamed Salah is the talisman and Cody Gakpo can play through the middle.

Isak would certainly fill that gap, or if Gakpo is seen as a capable competitor to Ekitike, discussions for Rodrygo could be accelerated.